John Grindley Joins Network Foundation Technologies

By Derrick on July 23, 2008 9:44 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

John Grindley, the former executive director of the Robinson Film Center, will take on the role of vice president of operations at Network Foundation Technologies (NFT) starting July 9, 2008. Grindley's strong entertainment and executive experience is an asset to the Ruston-based technology company, which is expanding its influential sports platform to include other verticals such as entertainment and large-scale event opportunities.

Grindley will continue supporting the not-for-profit arts organization, where he has served as executive director since September 2005, through volunteer work. "Leaving the center is bittersweet for me. It has been such a large part of my life over the past three years, and I feel a paternal sensibility for the company - it's like watching your child grow. I am proud of the accomplishments, learning experience and community involvement the center has offered," said Grindley.

Grindley's new position at NFT will focus on all aspects of day-to-day operations of the company and he will report to the company's new Chief Operating Officer, Michael Chin, who was promoted to COO earlier this month. Before working at the Robinson Film Center, Grindley served on the production staff of a wide range of films, television commercials and music videos in Los Angeles, Calif. He then went on to become the Marketing Director of Fox Sports Net in Phoenix, Ariz., before deciding to move back to Shreveport-Bossier City and work with the film center.

"Marcus and I met three years ago while he was volunteering with the film center's education program. We became colleagues and friends, and have bounced ideas around for a while. Joining NFT and helping the company grow is a natural fit for me," said Grindley. "It is exciting to take the experience I have and adapt it to this new technology. There is such market potential and growth for NFT and its NiftyTV product, and I look forward to seeing all the great things to come from this technology.”

NFT's emerging presence in the world of events and sports is strong. The company has broadcast content on the Barksdale Air Force Base "Defenders of Liberty" Airshow, the Miss Louisiana pageant and events for the rock bands Black Light Burns and StoneSour. NFT also has ongoing partnerships with top sports leagues such as the Chicago Bandits, af2 arena football league, USA Weightlifting, USA Judo and the Central Hockey League, among others.